For 2022, Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting yet another above-average Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. In particular, CSU researchers believe there will be 19 named storms throughout 2022. This total sits above the average of 14.4 named storms per year recorded between 1981 and 2020.
Of the predicted 19 named storms, nine are expected to become hurricanes. Furthermore, four of those hurricanes have the potential to reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 mph or more. CSU researchers’ predictions are based on statistical models that use nearly 40 years of historical hurricane season data and evaluate conditions such as Atlantic sea surface temperatures, sea level pressures and vertical wind shear levels.
These predictions also highlight the likelihood of hurricanes making landfall, breaking down probabilities by region. Specifically, there is a 71% chance of a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane making landfall across the entire coastline of the United States during 2022—a likelihood that is 20% greater than the average over the past century. Looking at different coastlines, there is a 47% chance of this type of hurricane striking the East Coast, while there is a 46% probability of such a storm hitting the Gulf Coast.
It’s important to note that these are simply predictions. Still, organizations should make it a priority to properly prepare for severe storms, particularly if they live in or own property in hurricane-prone areas. Some key hurricane preparedness tips to consider include:
- Review your loss recovery plan (or this checklist).
Identify and review all relevant insurance policies.
Review business continuity plans.
- Safeguard important financial records either by removing them from the site, saving to an offsite storage location, or cloud based platform.
- Take steps to protect and secure physical assets, property and equipment.
- Update inventory lists, asset registers, and stored materials logs to ensure currency.
- Notify the Loss Recovery Team members to anticipate activation and to be prepared to assess the overall organizational impacts, including: property damage, repair and loss mitigation needs, staffing, and business interruption. A Team Leader should be appointed to serve as the liaison between organizational functions, such as: risk management/insurance, financial, legal, operations, facilities, security, information technology, and outside advisers/consultants, among other relevant departments.
- Set up dedicated loss and recovery cost accounts to track all costs related to the preparation of the event. Ensure appropriate operations and accounting personnel have instructions regarding approval and documentation protocols regarding loss-related expenses.